Opals prepare for travel weary Lithuania

Australia expects its opening match of the women's basketball
world championships to go ahead on Wednesday against a Lithuanian
team making a last-minute dash to Brazil due to a vaccination
bungle.

A cancelled flight from French Martinique meant Lithuania was
forced to travel via French Guyana to reach Brazil.

But Brazilian law requires travellers from French Guyana to have
yellow fever vaccinations, something Lithuania hadn't considered as
it tried to find any way to arrive safely at the world championship
site.

Having landed in northern Brazil, the Europeans were sent back
to French Guyana, throwing major doubt over their ability to
compete at the tournament.

But Opals coach Jan Stirling expects the incident to have little
impact on the Europeans, who Australia is scheduled to face at
5.30pm local time on Wednesday (6.30am Wednesday AEST).

"As far as we're concerned they've got a charter flight, they're
just waiting for the paper work and they'll be here tomorrow
morning," Stirling said.

"They're European-based players so they've often dealt with
planes not arriving or delays, so I'm sure they'll be out to give
us a tough game."

The incident cast an element of doubt on an otherwise solid
build-up for the Australians, who are outright second favourites
for the gold medal.

Centrebet has Australia at $7, behind only the two-time
defending champion United States ($1.27) and ahead of 2002 silver
medallist Russia ($8) and the host nation ($15).

Spain, the Czech Republic and China are also expected to figure
prominently in the 16-team tournament, which is divided into four
groups.

The Opals claimed bronze medals at the past two world titles,
but lacked enough world-class talents to truly trouble the likes of
the US.

But Stirling is confident she now has the pieces to complement
proven performers Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor, naming Belinda
Snell, Hollie Grima, Kristi Harrower and Laura Summerton as players
to give the side added dimensions.

"Without question we need others to step up and there's a couple
there," Stirling said.

"Snelly has had some pretty good games in the WNBA and Kristi is
definitely at another level. Hollie is coming of age and Laura is a
force.

"There's certainly a nice mix there that I think can help
us."

Anything less than a silver medal will be a disappointment for
Australia but Stirling isn't feeling the pinch.

"I know in my heart I'm doing my best and if this group clicks,
it can do some significant things," she said.

"The legacy that previous coaches and players have left is one
of high expectation because we deliver, but I don't feel
pressure."